NEWARK, N.J. — A federal judge has ruled that a former teacher’s employment lawsuit against Passaic Arts & Science Charter School, iLearn Schools Inc., and several former co-workers may proceed in part, while dismissing several other federal and constitutional claims.
In an opinion and order issued Thursday, U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz granted in part and denied in part motions to dismiss filed by iLearn Schools Inc., Passaic Arts & Science Charter School, Director Ismael Demirors, IT Coordinator Hakan Kocak, and teacher Brunilda Mukollari.
The lawsuit was filed by former teacher Zaida Marquez, who alleges she was fired after raising concerns to school administrators and claims she experienced discrimination, retaliation, and other unlawful conduct during her employment.
Marquez, who is representing herself, brought claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), the First and Fourth Amendments, and other federal and state laws.
Judge dismisses some claims, allows others
Judge Farbiarz noted that while courts give self-represented litigants some leeway, they must still allege sufficient facts to support each legal claim.
The court concluded that some of Marquez’s allegations plausibly stated claims that may proceed beyond the motion-to-dismiss stage, while others failed as a matter of law.
The opinion specifically analyzes claims involving alleged discrimination based on national origin and religion, retaliation under Title VII, disability discrimination and retaliation under the ADA, constitutional claims under the First and Fourth Amendments, and additional statutory claims.
The judge also noted that individual employees generally cannot be held personally liable under Title VII. As a result, the Title VII discrimination claims are treated as being asserted only against the school entities rather than individual defendants.
Employment case moves forward
The ruling does not determine whether Marquez’s allegations are true but instead decides whether portions of the complaint are legally sufficient to proceed into discovery and later stages of litigation.
The opinion leaves several claims alive while narrowing the scope of the lawsuit before trial.
- Former teacher alleges she was fired after raising concerns to administrators.
- Lawsuit names iLearn Schools Inc., Passaic Arts & Science Charter School and several employees.
- Federal judge granted motions to dismiss in part and denied them in part.
- Some discrimination and retaliation claims remain pending.
- Constitutional and other statutory claims were also addressed in the ruling.
Federal courts routinely evaluate employment discrimination complaints at the motion-to-dismiss stage to determine whether plaintiffs have alleged enough facts to support a plausible legal claim. A ruling denying dismissal does not determine liability but allows qualifying claims to move into the evidence-gathering phase of litigation.
FAQ
Who filed the lawsuit?
Former charter school teacher Zaida Marquez.
Who are the defendants?
iLearn Schools Inc., Passaic Arts & Science Charter School, and several former co-workers and administrators.
What does the lawsuit allege?
Marquez claims she was terminated after raising concerns and alleges discrimination, retaliation, disability-related claims, and constitutional violations.
What did the judge decide?
The court granted in part and denied in part the defendants’ motions to dismiss, allowing some claims to continue while dismissing others.
Does this mean Marquez won the case?
No. The ruling only determines which claims may proceed. The merits of the allegations have not yet been decided.
Sources: U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Marquez v. iLearn Schools, Inc., Passaic Arts & Science Charter School, et al., Civil Action No. 2:25-cv-2417, Opinion and Order issued Aug. 13, 2026.
